Creators

Who is behind this?

Who is joining forces?

Idea

Idea pitch

To avoid that only socially or financially powerful organizations can put their ideas forward at European level, we propose that a lower signature threshold is authorized to convene a 'European Citizens’ Jury' appointed by sortition, and this out of the European electorate. This Jury then decides whether a citizens’ initiative will be examined by the European Commission.At present, the ECI requires: … at least one million EU citizens, with a minimum of signatories in 7 different member states

Where will your idea take place?

Europe

Why does Europe need your idea?

As a first step, we propose to improve an existing democratic instrument in European politics, more specifically the European Citizens Initiative. Our proposal allows the use of the ECI in a more social way by improving social diversity in the participation process with lower signature thresholds.

What is your impact?

A substantial success would be the realization of a evaluation tool for sortition initiatives in politics in preparation of submitting our proposal for the ‘Evaluation Jury’ who can socialize the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) and make it more inclusive, social and effective.

How do you get there?

- One of the first developments needed, is a study of the sortition criteria and applications in politics. Like every other 'democratic instrument', institutions appointed by sortition need to be carefully designed and operated to secure their potential as a 'democratic instrument'.- We need to research if a European Citizens’ Initiative about our proposal is allowed ( target 2020). - Furthermore, we need to inform the public by regularly organizing congresses, conferences and meetings.

What is your story?

Democratizing Europe is important, as there is an ever-growing aversion and distrust towards our current political system. It is urgent to propose and install 'democratic instruments', such as binding referendums at citizens’ initiative and representative institutions appointed by sortition.

Who are you doing it for?

We propose a more inclusive and democratic evolution of our society to the citizens of the European Union.

What do you need from the Advocate Europe community?

All comments are welcome.
Full paper available at (the website is in remake)
http://blogimages.seniorennet.be/democratie/attach/150841.pdf (English)
http://blogimages.seniorennet.be/democratie/attach/150842.pdf (German)
http://blogimages.seniorennet.be/democratie/attach/150840.pdf (Dutch)